Frozen Cucumber Collins: A Cool, Crisp, and Refreshing Summer Treat

The Frozen Cucumber Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, perfect for those hot summer days when you need a cool, crisp drink to beat the heat. The traditional gin, lemon, and soda combination is blended with fresh cucumber and ice to create a frosty, slushy cocktail that’s light, zesty, and incredibly refreshing. With its subtle sweetness and herbal, citrusy gin notes, the Frozen Cucumber Collins is an ideal drink for poolside lounging, barbecues, or summer gatherings.

This frosty cocktail delivers all the bright and tangy flavors of a Collins with an added burst of fresh cucumber, making it not only thirst-quenching but also a visually stunning drink with its pale green hue.

Quick Facts: Frozen Cucumber Collins

Method: Blended
Flavor profile: Crisp, herbal, citrusy
How to serve it: Frozen, in a glass
Glassware: Highball or tumbler glass
Alcohol content: ~ 10-12% ABV, depending on gin and dilution

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Ingredients

The Frozen Cucumber Collins uses just a handful of fresh ingredients to deliver a crisp and cooling drink that perfectly balances sweetness, tartness, and herbal notes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Gin (A gin with herbal or citrus notes works best, such as Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire)
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice (Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• ¾ oz Simple syrup (Adjust to taste depending on your sweetness preference)
• ½ cup Fresh cucumber, chopped (Peel and de-seed for a smoother texture)
• 1-2 cups Crushed ice (Crushed ice blends more easily and creates a smoother slush)
• Soda water (A splash for the classic Collins fizz)
• Cucumber slice and lemon wheel (For garnish)

Ingredient Notes:
The fresh cucumber is key to the flavor of this drink, so be sure to use crisp cucumbers that aren’t overly watery. A gin with bright herbal or citrus notes will complement the freshness of the cucumber and the tartness of the lemon juice. Adjust the simple syrup to taste based on your sweetness preference—if your cucumbers are particularly mild, you might want a little extra syrup.

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Equipment Needed

Making the perfect Frozen Cucumber Collins is easy with just a few essential bar tools:

• Blender: For blending the cucumber and ice into a smooth slush.
• Jigger: To measure your gin, lemon juice, and syrup accurately.
• Citrus press: For fresh lemon juice.
• Highball or tumbler glass: Ideal for serving the slushy cocktail.
• Bar spoon: To stir in the soda water without losing too much fizz.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

To make a deliciously frosty Frozen Cucumber Collins, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel, chop, and de-seed the cucumber to ensure a smooth blend. Measure the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Have the ice ready for blending.
2. Blend the cocktail: In a blender, combine the cucumber, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and crushed ice. Blend on high until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
3. Add the fizz: Pour the slushy mixture into a chilled highball or tumbler glass, filling it about ¾ of the way. Top with a splash of soda water for the classic Collins fizz. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine without losing too much carbonation.
4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a thin cucumber slice and a lemon wheel for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the frosty, refreshing drink at its best.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Frozen Cucumber Collins offers a refreshing and balanced flavor profile, combining the clean, crisp notes of cucumber with the zesty tang of lemon and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. The botanicals of the gin add a layer of herbal complexity, while the soda water brings a light effervescence that lifts the entire drink. The slushy texture makes this cocktail especially cooling and refreshing, perfect for hot days or outdoor events.

With each sip, you’ll experience the invigorating freshness of cucumber, followed by the bright, tart citrus from the lemon juice. The simple syrup rounds out the flavor, ensuring the drink isn’t too sour, while the soda water keeps it light and bubbly. The Frozen Cucumber Collins is a cocktail that feels both sophisticated and fun, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or simply relaxing with a drink that’s both refreshing and unique.

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Garnishing and Presentation

When it comes to garnishing the Frozen Cucumber Collins, simplicity is key to enhancing its refreshing aesthetic. A thin cucumber slice floating on the surface of the drink or attached to the rim of the glass adds an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a lemon wheel or twist to accentuate the citrus notes of the cocktail.

For an extra pop of freshness, try adding a sprig of mint, which pairs beautifully with the cucumber and gin. Chilling the glass beforehand will help maintain the slushy texture longer, ensuring that your drink stays cool and refreshing even in the heat.

Serve the cocktail in a tall, chilled highball or tumbler glass to highlight the slushiness of the drink. For an added visual effect, you can use colorful or patterned glassware, or even freeze cucumber slices in ice cubes and drop them into the drink for a fun presentation.

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Pairing Suggestions

The crisp, refreshing nature of the Frozen Cucumber Collins makes it an ideal pairing for light and vibrant summer dishes. Here are some suggestions to complement the cocktail’s fresh flavors:

• Seafood: The lightness of the cocktail pairs beautifully with fresh seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, ceviche, or seared scallops. The cucumber and citrus notes enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood while keeping the meal refreshing.
• Salads: A summer salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette would complement the cocktail’s tart and herbal notes. Add some fresh cucumber and herbs to the salad to mirror the flavors in the drink.
• Sushi or sashimi: The clean, crisp flavors of sushi, especially cucumber rolls or tuna sashimi, match perfectly with the lightness of the Frozen Cucumber Collins. The cocktail’s citrus and cucumber elements balance the richness of the fish.
• Appetizers: Light appetizers like cucumber tea sandwiches, bruschetta with tomato and basil, or hummus with fresh vegetables pair well with this drink, as they enhance the fresh, clean flavors of the cocktail.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The original Tom Collins cocktail dates back to the late 19th century and became popular in the United States and Europe around the same time. The cocktail is traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, and is known for its light, fizzy, and refreshing qualities. The Frozen Cucumber Collins is a modern twist on this classic cocktail, incorporating cucumber for an extra layer of cool freshness and blending it with ice to create a slushy, summer-ready drink.

While the Tom Collins itself has had many variations over the years (including vodka-based “John Collins” and whiskey-based “Colonel Collins”), the addition of cucumber and the frozen format takes the cocktail into refreshing new territory, making it a perfect choice for hot-weather sipping.

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Serving Suggestions

The Frozen Cucumber Collins is an ideal cocktail for outdoor gatherings, pool parties, and any occasion that calls for a refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail. Its light, frosty texture makes it a favorite for daytime events or pre-dinner drinks when you want something cooling but not too heavy.

For larger parties, you can easily make the drink in batches. Prepare the gin, lemon juice, cucumber, and simple syrup mixture ahead of time, then blend it with ice just before serving. Chilling the glasses and pre-slicing your cucumber and lemon garnishes will help make serving quick and easy.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With around 10-12% ABV, the Frozen Cucumber Collins is a relatively light cocktail, perfect for sipping without being overly strong. The ice and soda water dilute the gin slightly, making it a refreshing and easy-going drink.

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of gin and add more soda water after blending for a fizzier, lower-alcohol drink. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the gin with a botanical, alcohol-free spirit. This will give you a similar herbal, refreshing flavor without the alcohol, making it a great option for mocktails.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s pure, unsweetened lemon juice to avoid altering the drink’s balance.

What type of gin works best for this cocktail?
A gin with strong herbal or citrus notes, such as a London Dry or a citrus-forward gin, works best for the Frozen Cucumber Collins. The botanicals in the gin will complement the cucumber and lemon flavors.

Can I make this drink sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can increase the amount of simple syrup or add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral sweetness that pairs well with the cucumber.

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Conclusion

The Frozen Cucumber Collins is a crisp, refreshing cocktail perfect for hot summer days, combining the fresh flavors of cucumber, lemon, and gin into a deliciously frosty slush. With its light, cooling nature and a fizzy touch of soda water, it’s an ideal drink for any outdoor gathering or summer celebration. Whether you’re a gin lover or just looking for a refreshing, low-effort cocktail, the Frozen Cucumber Collins is sure to become a go-to favorite for sunny afternoons.